Rancho Cordova Animal Services recently responded to a call involving a baby rabbit, helping assess the animal and determine the appropriate next steps for its care. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova residents who encounter injured, trapped or displaced wildlife may be able to receive assistance from the city’s Animal Services team, depending on the circumstances.

While many wildlife-related calls are handled by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, Rancho Cordova Animal Services can respond to certain situations involving wild animals.

The city’s team generally handles calls involving trapped, sick or injured wildlife, animals that have entered homes, wildlife that has come into contact with people or domestic animals, and some suspected cases of wildlife cruelty.

Animal Services recently responded to separate calls involving a baby turkey and a baby rabbit, helping assess the young animals and determine the appropriate next steps for their care.

Rancho Cordova Animal Services recently assisted with a baby turkey, evaluating the young bird and helping determine the appropriate care. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

City officials advise residents not to handle wildlife they believe is injured or abandoned. Wild animals can pose safety risks, and young animals that appear to be alone may still have a parent nearby.

Residents who encounter a wild animal in distress are encouraged to leave the animal undisturbed and contact a wildlife professional for guidance.

Local resources include the Wildlife Care Association, 5211 Patrol Road in McClellan, at 916-965-9453, and Sierra Wildlife Rescue, 777 Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs, at 530-621-4661. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife can also be reached at 916-653-7664.

Additional information about Rancho Cordova Animal Services and the types of calls handled by the department is available at CityofRanchoCordova.org. Residents can also sign up for city news and updates at CityofRanchoCordova.org/ENews.